Public Health Leadership Programme (PHLP)

This well respected programme is funded by the Ministry of Health. It has been developed by Catapult (leadership and organisational performance specialists) and Quigley and Watts (public health specialists) following extensive consultation with the sector. Three graduates from the 2018 programme share their experiences below.

‘Working in an Kaupapa Māori organisation that sits within health, education and social spaces and I see generational trauma and the effect of colonisation on our whānau Māori in real terms, which has manifested in a sense of disconnection. With my public health hat on I acknowledge that huge health disparities, inequity and needing to address the determinants of health for Māori are very real. With this focus, what has this course given me in regard to this?

PHLP has given me the opportunity to explore my strengths and weaknesses as a leader and has given me a kete of tools/frameworks to help coach myself and my team toward positive change whether it be personally or professionally and with the whānau Māori my kaimahi are journeying alongside. Only then can we move from ‘Mauri Noho to Mauri Ora’ (languishing to flourishing).

The course has also linked me to amazing people across the country all working in the public health arena with a like-minded vision of not being stuck in a ‘what’s wrong?’ mentality but rather a ‘what’s possible?’ mindset.

I can’t recommend this course highly enough for anyone interested in exploring leadership within public health and beyond.’

‘I feel very privileged to have attend the PHLP in 2018. It is an excellent programme and delivers on its promise of providing insight into the nature of leadership. Through its competencies, the programme facilitates personal development but not at the expense of practical guidance and grounding. I gained an invaluable understanding of how, and why, I work the way that I do. With the help of the programme facilitators, and my fellow participants, I have learnt how to repurpose my personal skills, to better face the unique public health issues that I encounter in my role. I have come away from PHLP with improved self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-belief. While I may not be in management , PHLP has shown me the importance of understanding and utilising leadership qualities, in whatever role you work in.’

‘I would encourage anybody working in the space of public health and health promotion to apply for the PHLP. We face big challenges in our communities, and developing our leadership skills is essential when we are trying to create change and achieve our vision for good health and wellbeing in Aotearoa. I have been participating in the 2018 programme and have received invaluable feedback on how I work, and how to adapt to be more effective. The course provides amazing support and useful tools to ensure learnings are embedded into practice. Not only that but it is perhaps one of the most inspirational and motivating professional development opportunities I have had!’